President Bola Tinubu addressed the newly appointed Service Chiefs on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for tangible results in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. Speaking during their decoration ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he stated that the nation is eager to celebrate peace and expects decisive action against emerging armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and some Southern regions.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester,” Tinubu urged. “We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash these new snakes right in the head.”
The President acknowledged the military’s past successes in restoring peace and rescuing kidnapped citizens but highlighted that security threats are constantly evolving. He called on the new leaders to approach their responsibilities with commitment and dedication, stressing that security is essential for development and governance.
“In dark times, when terrorists held significant portions of our land, our armed forces rose to the challenge,” Tinubu noted. “However, challenges remain, and we need to defeat the enemies of peace.”
He charged the Service Chiefs to be innovative and collaborative, leveraging technology and intelligence to stay ahead of threats. “Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he reiterated. “We are in a hurry to celebrate peace.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, responded by committing to do their utmost with the support of the President and the citizens, emphasizing that security should be a collective effort.
The new Service Chiefs include General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
The ceremony was attended by key government officials, including the Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives
